Strive
What it means
To apply sustained effort toward a demanding and worthwhile aim.
Reach for it when describing earnest pursuit without implying that effort guarantees the outcome
The cooperative will strive to make every repair affordable.
Words to choose between 7
| playful | |
|---|---|
| everyday | |
| warm | |
| professional | |
| formal |
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| literary |
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playful
try hard
Fits when conversational honesty about effort is best
Careful The phrase can sound childish and says little about duration.
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everyday
work toward
Fits when steady progress deserves plain language
Careful The phrase softens the exceptional exertion implied by strive.
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warm
Fits when a hoped-for future standard motivates action
Careful Aspiration concerns desire and direction, not the effort already applied.
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warm
press on
Fits when continuing despite setbacks is the immediate action
Careful Pressing on may ignore evidence that the route should change.
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professional
pursue
Fits when following a goal through concrete actions is the point
Careful Pursuit can be strategic without requiring strenuous effort.
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formal
Fits when serious organized effort suits elevated prose
Careful Endeavor can sound bureaucratic and may name an attempt rather than persistence.
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literary
labor
Fits when prolonged difficult work deserves emphasis
Careful Labor highlights burden and can obscure the chosen goal.
Opposites 3
- abandon
- surrender
- idle
Common phrases 3
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strive for excellence
The team will strive for excellence without punishing honest questions.
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strive to improve
We strive to improve the service after every access review.
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continue to strive
They continue to strive for a settlement both villages can uphold.
Usage notes
Keep in mind
Strive is effort language, not a measurable commitment. Pair it with a concrete action or standard when accountability matters.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Neskaya, American accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 Updated